81.28cm x 60.96cm on canvas - Nov 2016

My latest portrait is of Sebastian Smith a characterful 14-month old boy.

When I saw the source photograph it immediately grabbed my attention; as I felt there was a playfully ‘regal’ air to his pose, particularly for a toddler.  With Sebastian standing sideways and looking forward over the shoulder, which made him look old beyond his years.

Given his small stature, the viewer’s vantage point is slightly above his eyeline, so I framed the compositions subject closer that I would usually set, to help give him a larger scale and to add to the sense of him being more grown-up.

After trying many variations of background colours, using solid blocks of colours, I found a pale burgundy best captured the essence of his character and his charming pink knitted cardigan.